Dr. Amber Luke, a member of the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC), was recognized by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)’s Sunset Chapter #296 of Sarasota County on May 20th, 2008, as the Teacher of the Year. She has been teaching and advocating for students with disabilities for over 10 years and currently teaches at Glenallen Elementary School in North Port, Florida.

Dr. Luke’s enthusiasm for education is evidenced by the joy and pride she expresses when speaking about her students. Appointed to the FDDC by Governor Charlie Crist in 2007, Dr. Luke contributes her insight about being a person with a disability, as well as being a teacher of students with disabilities.

In addition to recognizing Sarasota County teachers and staff for their support of students with disabilities, the Sunset Chapter of CEC also provides grants to local Exceptional Student Education teachers and awards scholarships for summer camp to Sarasota County students.

The Sunset Chapter will host the 42nd Annual Florida Council for Exceptional Children conference, “Under the Big Top”, in October in Sarasota, Florida. Bambi Lockman, Chief of the Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services in the Florida Department of Education, and a member of the FDDC, will be among the nationally known keynote speakers. More information about this event can be found at www.ffcec.org.